It was a bit of an ephemeral moment of peace before the door was slammed open by none other than Jimin. My eyes snapped open as I saw his eyes widen upon seeing our states before they softened.

However, when I noticed Dawon peek over Jimin's shoulders, I immediately separated from Hoseok by slightly shoving him back and scrambling a few inches away in alarm. A blush overtook my cheeks as Dawon's confused expression turned smug once she realized what we were doing.

It's not like she doesn't know what we get up to, but I've never really kissed Hoseok in front of her out of embarrassment. Same with any of the guys in front of any of their family members. They're more comfortable sharing a few intimate moments, but I usually scurry away as soon as I hear footsteps near or voices from quite a distance.

More often than not, it's one of the other boys, but there have been a few close calls.

Such as Jimin's mother, for example, but clearly she was less reasonable in her response.

"Well look at that. Hoseok, you look so flushed."

Dawon teasingly reached over to Hoseok and pinched his cheeks while he whined for her to stop. I thought I was in the clear until she whipped her head over to me with mirth filled eyes.

"Don't be so shy, y/n! That was adorable, kind of weird witnessing my brother making out with my future sister-in-law, but nonetheless cute."

My face turned a hundred shades darker at her words and the way she cupped my cheeks while rocking my face from side to side.

We all turned our attention towards the bedroom door when it creaked open. I held my breath but instantly felt it whoosh out in relief when I saw a familiar mop of brunette hair peek in followed by an adorably curious bunny face.

Jungkook glanced around the bedroom before finding us all crowded in the bathroom. His expression lit up as he turned over his shoulder and quietly yelled, "I found them! They're in here!"

Not long after, a flurry of footsteps was heard before the room became crowded with five more bodies. Dawon beamed at the company as she straightened up and went to playfully mess around with Jungkook's hair. Namjoon took it upon himself to help both Hoseok and I up before we all gathered in the bedroom.

Although the room was larger than any bedroom should be, nine bodies didn't make much free space available. I noticed Jimin jump into Taehyung's arms on the bed which forcefully caused Yoongi to scoot over a bit. Hoseok joined Seokjin on the lounge chair, causing the older to groan under Hoseok's weight, but nevertheless hug him closer.

I stood beside Namjoon near the bathroom entrance as we watched Dawon poke Jungkook's sides which caused him to let out little bouts of laughter and attempt to stop her by lightly swatting at her arms and subtly scooting away. I let out a smile at the light atmosphere of the room.

This was perfect, right here.

❀♡❀

I nervously sat stock still in my seat during dinner. My food was basically left untouched as I didn't have it in me to eat much with the heavy glare set on me.

I felt a hand squeeze my knee and I turned to see Hoseok letting out a soft smile with a tilt of his head towards my plate. I glanced back down at the amazing arrangement of dishes in front of me, but I didn't feel like I could stomach much. I didn't once look towards the left side of the table and rather kept myself quiet and hidden from the conversation.

Seokjin's grandmother kept sending me worried glances from beside me, but I reassured her with a miniscule smile and an occasional tiny bite of food.

Overall, I was thankful that Seokjin's grandmother didn't point out that I wasn't eating much and simply rubbed my back in a soothing manner near the end of dinner. I felt myself relax a bit at her gesture, but still felt tense.

Honestly, I shouldn't feel this way. The more I sat and cowered, the more I realized just how stupid I was acting.

Why should I be the one she's getting mad at. This is her own damn fault.

My eyes furrowed as my gaze hardened. My fake smile began to falter into a grimace as I thought about everything that lady's done. I peeked over at the others around me, but none paid me close attention.

Slowly, I turned my head to face the heat of the gaze head on, and met the harsh and furious eyes of a familiar woman.

With a frown that deep, accompanied by years of judgement, she may as well have some frown lines already wrinkled up. She only solely focused on me, but I caught sight of Jimin, who was unwillingly sitting beside her, looking even angrier. I hate to admit the resemblance between the two in terms of appearance, but there seemed to be a huge difference told between their expressions.

While Jimin's mother held a look of annoyance and a will to demolish me, Jimin's eyes told me a story of pent up frustration and fury. He didn't once remove his gaze and I honestly felt shivers up my spine once I saw the expression on his face.

Noted to never cross him or be on his bad side.

"Well, I've had such a lovely chat with you Mr. Park, but I believe it's time to retire for the night. After all, it is Christmas tomorrow and we can't miss out on that, now can we?"

Namjoon's mother let out a beaming smile as she looked at everyone around the table. I broke off my staring contest with Jimin's mother to return to my mask of content.

"Of course we can't, dear. Everyone needs to get some good rest because I know a lot of you will depart as well. It was a lovely Christmas eve dinner, don't you all agree?"

Hums of agreement went around and Namjoon's father let out a small smile before he suddenly snapped his fingers. A few maids came by and began to fill everyone's glasses with champagne. I let out a curious glance towards the bubbly drink now set in front of me, but returned my gaze once I noticed him stand up. He lifted his glass and everyone immediately followed suit.

"Why don't I make a toast now while everyone is here, gathered all together. A toast for how lucky we are to have each other's backs and to be able to spend this precious time together. A toast for our past, present, and future. May it be prosperous and bring good will upon us all. And especially, a toast to our boys and now y/n, for connecting as soulmates- and may they lead a comfortable life filled with love and trust. I wish us all a good Christmas and upcoming New Years. Let's all stand and raise our glasses in celebration."

The sounds of chairs scraping the floor and the ruffle of clothes was heard before everyone raised their glasses and said, "Cheers!", before downing them. The bubbles of the champagne felt like crystalline pearls that fizzed as they went, exploding with a slightly sour taste interlaced with the fragrance of white flowers. I was taken aback by the taste but nevertheless shared a grin with Hoseok as we intertwined our hands.

Soon small chatter broke out amongst everyone as we all began to tuck in our chairs and take our leave.

I listened to Hoseok chatter about how he can't wait till tomorrow, yet in the back of my mind I could feel the stare of someone on me. I turned over my shoulder for just a moment, only to catch a glimpse of Mrs. Park about to step out of the opposite end of the room.

In that split moment, I made the decision to stick my tongue out childishly, yet her startled expression made it worth it.

I let out a grin as I turned back and saw Jimin already standing outside the entrance and playfully rolling his eyes at my display. I let out an easy laugh as he gripped my free hand and paid heed to Hoseok's words. The other boys trickled by soon after and caught up to the three of us as we made our way up to the rooms.

❀♡❀

"Damn it! I'm so hungry!"

I easily recognized Jimin's pouting whine. I let out a tiny snicker as I continued to brush out my now dry hair after a brief shower and change into comfortable clothes. All the boys gathered up together, as usual, and chatted about things.

More like complained and voiced out ways to kill Jimin's mother, but in passive aggressive comments.

I will admit I was right earlier. Jimin was absolutely infuriated to have seen his mother still sitting there during dinner. He was so ready to drag her out and none of us would've interfered. I probably would've opened the door for him, but fucking manners.

Instead, he bottled his anger and exploded as soon as we stepped into the room. The others easily hyped up his words and then began the list of ways to kill her.

"I barely ate anything because I was so mad. I want to eat!"

I let out a sigh as I set the brush down and exited the bathroom...

Only to immediately see Jimin chomp down on Jungkook's bicep and thus causing the fetus to shriek and flail his arms. Namjoon held onto Jimin's jaw and ear and tried to pry his mouth open while repeating, "Drop it! Jungkook is boyfriend, not food!"

Taehyung didn't even blink as he switched on his camera and began filming just as Seokjin scrambled to get off the bed and help, but face planted right onto the floor with a dull thump. This caused Hoseok to burst out laughing, almost to the point of dying as he choked on some laughs and wheezes.

Yoongi looked up from his phone at all the chaos before shrugging and looking back down.

All of this happened within the span of at least 10 seconds.

I let out a long sigh before turning back into the bathroom and continuing to brush my already brushed out hair. I probably missed a few tangles.

It sounded like a warzone of panic, fits of giggles, scolding, and stress for a couple minutes before a small crash happened and it went dead silent. I raised an eyebrow at this and peeked out of the bathroom to see what had happened.

Oh, that makes sense.

Yoongi stood up. Over his dropped phone. That has a couple shards of glass around the obviously broken phone. It was turned over onto its backside, but I wouldn't want to imagine seeing the front.

Jungkook looked like a statue whose life got sucked out of him as he cast a brief glance between the shattered phone and the ticking time bomb. His horrified expression was accompanied by quivering legs and arms.

It was a tense minute of silence as we all held our breaths in fear of being attacked if we were to exhale. 

"M-maybe it's not too b-broken. T-try turning it o-over?"

Yoongi didn't take his gaze away from his phone, but painfully slowly began to lower to the ground to pick it up.

Everyone tensed as he flipped it over.

It was cleanly safe. No cracks or scratches in sight! What a relief!

Sike.

The damage was so bad, one could see the inside of the phone due to one huge hole on the edge of it. The screen had glitched out badly with strips of dark green and blue. The cracks looked like a phone user's worst nightmare.

"I think it's long past broken."

"You think, Jungkook?"

Jungkook visibly gulped as Yoongi looked up at him with an evil glint in his eyes.

"Now now, Yoongi. It was an accident. We can always get you a new one!"

"I know that Hoseok, but I liked this one. Someone's gonna have to pay, and I think I know who."

Yoongi began to tread towards Jungkook's shaking form, but Jimin intercepted.

"It was my fault because I caused him to run towards you and knock the phone out of your hands! I'm sorry. If there's anyone you should punish and be mad at, it should be me."

"N-no, Jimin isn't completely at fault! I should've watched where I was flailing!"

They began to go back and forth on who should deserve the blame, but suddenly my stomach rumbled loudly and cut the banter. I immediately blushed and held my stomach as all eyes turned towards me.

"Ah, sorry. My stomach probably just wanted to enjoy some popcorn during this intense drama."

Hoseok let out a laugh as he skipped over. Just like that, it felt like the tension dissipated with Hoseok's vibrant grin. 

"I know you didn't eat that much earlier. You should've."

"I know, but I didn't really feel like eating!"

Hoseok ran a hand through his hair before his eyes suddenly brightened and he straightened his posture.

"Why don't we all go out to town?"

Everyone shot Hoseok a confused look as his eyes glimmered.

"I feel like there's just too much negative energy in this place, so why don't we all go get some air."

"It's freezing and most of the shops close around this time. Not to mention it's Christmas tomorrow."

"I know, but maybe we can get Yoongi a phone on the way while grabbing some food! Let's just sneak out! Like back then huh, Namjoon?"

I turned to Namjoon whose eyes lit up a bit as the cogs in his brain began to turn.

"If we leave now, we may be able to catch a mobile store before they close. There are also always 24 hour convenience stores available."

"True! Let's all go!"

"Did we not forget that it's freezing! What, we're all just going to walk through the streets in this weather? Also what happens if we get caught leaving or returning! Won't we get in trouble?"

"Seokjin... I hate to tell you this, but I feel like it's time that you know."

"What." Seokjin immediately narrowed his eyes at Namjoon's tone of voice.

"Don't be too shocked once you hear this... We're all adults."

Everyone except Seokjin playfully gasped in shock as the male in question walked over to Namjoon and punched him on the namtidd- chest. Namjoon instantly turned to the side and shielded his chest with a laugh.

"Don't be a punk. I will literally grant no kisses at all tomorrow."

Namjoon gasped and turned towards Seokjin with wide eyes.

"You wouldn't."

"Oh yes, I would. Try me."

"Okay, I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry... what?"

"I express my deepest sorrows to the most handsomest man to ever live on this Earth. My apologies, my King."

I held back a laugh as Seokjin smugly smirked before tilting his nose up and replying, "Well with such a gracious exclamation of repentance, I suppose I can grant forgiveness."

"Gee thanks, now let's get on with this. All those in favor of breaking out of here to make a pit stop at a mobile store and trashing a convenience store, raise your hand."

We all raised our hands and Namjoon smiled.

"Cool. Get changed and let's move out."

"Wait, but are we walking?"

"Pshh, no. I'll get the car ready. I live here, I know where it is, duh."

"Yah! Get back here mister."

Seokjin followed Namjoon out as the rest of us watched. It didn't take long before Jungkook was apologizing again.

"It's okay. I'll get another phone anyway. It's no big deal."

"But aren't you mad?"

"No, but are you hurt anywhere? Let me check."

Yoongi turned Jungkook around and scanned around the fumbling boy. After a bit, he stopped spinning Jungkook around and inadvertently making him dizzy.

Or perhaps it was on purpose.

"As long as you're safe, then I'm not too mad. I can easily replace a phone, but I can't do that with any of you."

"Ah! Hyung's being mushy! Nobody let your guards down!"

Jimin scampered over to hide behind Taehyung as they hugged each other tightly. Yoongi rolled his eyes but let them soften as he gazed at them and Jungkook. The boy in his arms looked up with so much admiration that it made me melt even though I wasn't the center of his affections. Looks like it was also getting too much for Yoongi though, because he suddenly brought a finger up and flicked his forehead. Jungkook exclaimed, "Owie, that hurt! Aw, hyung!"

"Alright, enough. I'm going to change and you all better get ready too because I don't intend to wait on any of you."

"You know you'd wait even a thousand years for us if you had to~" Taehyung lilted as Yoongi stomped towards the exit. Both Taehyung and Jimin taunted the older with sappy lines while Jungkook followed behind like a puppy. I was left with Hoseok and we both shot each other an exasperated look, but with how long we've known them, neither of us are that surprised.

"So, what do we do about the broken phone?"

Hoseok glanced at the pile of glass before grimacing and responding, "We'll just leave that mess on the floor. I'm sure someone will come clean it up. Just, don't step near it."

I frowned for a moment before shrugging.

"First one to finish getting ready gets to pick a choice of candy for each of us?"

"You're on, y/n!"

With that, we both rushed towards the closet and playfully shoved each other or bumped hips while pulling out articles of clothing.

❀♡❀

A/N: I thought the looping gif was pretty satisfying!

Merry Christmas (Unless it's already over for you :((, I tried this year)! Oh my gosh, I have a chapter that lined up with the seasons! (I did not purposefully hold back on updating for this celestial event to occur. No. Never.) I hope you guys have a good Christmas whether you celebrate it or not. I still wish for you all to have had one good reason to smile today, whether it be due to this chapter or from seeing family members in person or through a screen. I purposefully tried to update early as a gift, which I hope compensates, heh. 

 I know the end seems far. Who knows what will happen in 2021, but we can all agree that this year really kicked our asses. Please, please, please keep going strong. Maybe it's hard to get out of bed or to eat a meal, but you must take care of yourselves. Maybe you feel lonely or isolated during these holidays, but know that if you want to message me, I'll do my best to personally wish you a Merry Christmas myself. At least someone else should wish you one, and if I have to, then I will. Like my offer from last Christmas, I can't really reply to all comments, but I will definitely get back to you on my message board or in my private messages.

Love you all. I really do. Doesn't matter if I'm older or younger than you, different ethnicities, different backgrounds or lifestyles, I admire you all just as you are. You good, keep going. Stay safe, healthy, and happy. Till the next late update! I feel as though these author notes seem to continue stretching on, ddaeng. 

Question Time! In respect to last Christmas' question, I asked what you would like as a gift?

How foolish I was to ask for BTS tickets :( I got them, yet Covid happened and the concert is still on hold. Of course I completely understand the safety behind preventing the event, but damn. How the times have changed.

This year, I just wish for things to go back to normal. Sure, a lot has changed, but I want to see my friends and family freely again. I'm sure you guys do to.

메리 크리스마스!